Overview

Native to the Mediterranean region, artichokes were brought to the United States in the 1800s and first grown in Louisiana by French immigrants and in California by the Spanish. Today artichokes are grown almost exclusively in California, which accounts for more than 99 percent of national production.

Production

U.S. production of artichokes is concentrated in California, with limited production also occurring in Washington and Oregon. Total production in 2012 was 1.1 million cwt, up from the previous two years, and the crop was valued at $53.7 million, also an increase from the previous two years.  May 2013 ... Artichokes

Other Links

• Artichoke Production in California, Vegetable Research and Information, University of California Cooperative Extension, 2008.
• Artichokes, Vegetable Research and Information Center, University of California Cooperatiive Extension.
• California Artichoke Advisory Board.
• California Artichokes, 1925-2011. California Historic Commodity Data, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), California Field Office, USDA.
• Global Ag Trade System, Foreign Ag Service (FAS), USDA.
• Major Food and Agricultural Commodities and Producers, Statistics Divison, FAO.
• Pezzini Farms, Castroville, California - This business has produced Green Globe artichokes for over 50 years. In addition to artichokes, they offer thousands of local and farm fresh products including fresh produce, dips and sauces, vinaigarettes and oils, seasoning and chips and dips.
• Vegetables and Pulses, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA. 
• Vegetables and Pulses Yearbook, ERS, USDA.
• Vegetables Annual Summary, NASS, USDA.

Links checked January 2013.